The Allegheny County Sex Offense Court: Using Evidence-Based Practices to Increase Accountability and Safety

This monograph summarizes what justice-system practitioners can learn from the growing body of research into effective ways to manage sex offenders and incorporate evidence-based best practices such as procedural fairness, risk and need assessments, and deterrence. As part of that summary, the paper offers an in-depth profile of the Fifth Judicial District of Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Court. Located in Allegheny County, Pa., which includes the City of Pittsburgh, the specialized court has been in operation since 2011. Working with its partners, the court has created a response to sex offenses that enhances both victim safety and offender accountability.

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